The online casino market has evolved a lot since its early days. However, the oldest casino games are still popular: roulette, blackjack, keno, dice, etc. Not by chance; you can find them at most online casinos today. Does it mean online casinos are all the same? Most definitely not. You can find reviews of the trendiest platforms at paygamble.com, an invaluable gambling resource. However, if you want to search for it on your own, there are a few things to remember.
Navigating a Sea of Options
Casinos have been around since at least the 17th century and have only grown in popularity. The name derives from the Italian word “casinò,” meaning “small house.” The first of its kind opened its doors in Venice. Soon after, it was all over Europe and it didn’t take long to reach the United States.
The online casino market is massive and expected to cross the USD 65 billion mark by the end of this year. According to statistics from 2022, there are over 2,000 platforms that include sweepstakes operating today worldwide. Their goal is always the same: to attract as many players as possible and keep them engaged with fun games fueled by generous promotions. How do you choose the best ones, then?
Thanks to the vast assortment of options, you can compare them by the advantages they offer and their gaming portfolio. Yet, it’s not enough to tell if an online casino is top-notch or reliable. It’s a market with opportunities, but you should watch out for scams. There are reports of rigged games, unrealistic bonuses, tricky withdrawal requirements and fraud.
Don’t worry, though. It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite games safely. All you have to do is follow the tips below.
Check Licenses, Certificates and Awards
Don’t let your eagerness to play cloud your judgment. Licensing is the most essential feature in this market since it’s illegal to operate without one. So, that’s the first feature you should check in any online casino. Some of the most reliable casino sites have more than one license. The most traditional ones are the MGA, the UKGC, Curacao eGaming and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
Business awards and certificates aren’t legal requirements like licenses, but they say a lot about the quality of a casino site. It’s easy to tell when they have such awards and certificates, as they’ll proudly display them on their websites.
Read Reviews and Comments
There are countless websites dedicated to evaluating the most popular platforms. Those reviews typically bring information about promotions, games, licenses and overall quality. It’s one of the best ways to learn about a platform before signing up. Also, you can browse for blacklisted casinos and avoid them. There are also forums dedicated to this niche, where you can read about the players’ experience on some casino sites.
Privacy and Security
While the main point of those platforms is to entertain, your safety should always come first. Because online casinos handle large amounts of money and personal data on a daily basis, they’re also juicy targets for hackers and scammers.
Look for information about security systems, encryptions and how they handle users’ personal information. Go for platforms that use SSL encryption and are tested by independent companies, like iTestLabs, eCOGRA and others.
Read the Terms and Conditions Carefully
Reading the terms and conditions isn’t exactly fun. Still, it’s necessary if you’re serious about your safety. There, you’ll find information about regular promotions, wagering requirements, security issues and payment methods. Don’t skip this step, and avoid nasty surprises in the future.
Gaming Portfolio
With so many options out there, why settle for a site that doesn’t have all the games you like? Most online casinos allow you to browse through their gaming catalog and even offer a few demo games.
Go for those that offer a wide variety of options, including slots, table games and new sweepstakes coming up regularly. Besides, well-established developers won’t work with casino sites below legal standards. So, look for the sites with the newest releases from the most relevant studios in the industry.
Promotions
Another great way to zero in on the best site for you is to compare their promotions. Avoid those that offer unrealistic benefits, high wagering requirements and unclear terms. You’ll surely find options that offer much more than a welcome bonus. The most competitive online casinos also offer weekly promotions, like cashback, reloads, free spins, etc.
Check the Payment Options
The variety of payment options is a highly desirable feature. Nobody wants to go through the bother of creating new accounts to join a new casino. Bank transfers, e-wallets and credit cards are pretty common. Also, there’s an increasing number of online casinos supporting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Get in Touch
Let’s say you have issues with your registration, deposits, or game. Who are you going to call? A high-quality online casino offers comprehensive client services. Typically, they include emails, live chat, landlines and FAQ sections.
